After COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of food served at parties and ceremonies – ‘owambe’ in local parlance – have reduced significantly.
Before then, guests were served assorted food, including jollof rice and ‘swallow’.
But COVID-19 pandemic reduced the choice to either, or even none, in some cases.
However, if COVID-19 dents the Owambe lifestyle of Nigerians, the present economic condition has worsened it.
Now, the size and types of drinks, food portions, venues, aso ebis, among other things that accompany an owambe have changed shape.
The latest trend is serving of agbo jedi and libido booster herbs at parties.
Agbo Jedi, a Yoruba word used to describe a less expensive herb meant for the treatment of piles, is mainly consumed in households and rarely found at social events.
However, reports said that herbs for pile treatment and libido boosters have now joined the collection of drinks served at owambes.
A businesswoman, Mrs. Habibat Jolaosho, whose daughter got married recently, served agbo jedi and libido boosters at her daughter’s wedding, to cut the cost of drinks.
“Everyone knows that the cost of buying a pack of soft drinks, beer, and alcoholic wine is very expensive.
“Even water is no-go area now.
“Having a mini party of 100 guests will cost over N1 million naira today.
“So I had to add agbo jedi and libido booster herb to cut cost on drinks served at my daughter’s wedding recently.
“Some people even serve zobo (hibiscus flower) drinks and palm wine at parties to cut costs on soft drinks and beer.
“The agbo jedi usually comes in non-alcoholic form, which makes it less different from alcoholic drinks.”
A market survey of various soft drinks and beer prices in the market showed that the cost of drinks has increased tremendously.
The price of a pack of soft drinks depending on the brand is now N4500 to N5,000 from N2,000 it was sold before.
Similarly, the price of a pack of canned malt is now sold at N16,000 above, while that of beer is sold at over N18,000 when compared to the price before.
Further investigations showed that some guests have embraced the innovation while some see it as bizarre.
A businessman, Folahanmi Jegede, said he has taken agbo jedi at a recent party and welcomed the innovation.
“Nowadays, you drink and eat a variety of foods and drinks at parties.
“These hosts, due to the high costs of food items and drinks, have resorted to organizing their parties at the same time cutting costs.
“Before, no one would serve you agbo jedi at a party. People look forward to having soft drinks, beer, and wine at parties.
“Food like yam porridge, beans, rice, and yam flour swallow are foods people eat at parties.
“But today, you hardly get these varieties of food at most owambes.
“All you can eat is rice and semovita or yam flour.
“Some even serve garri and groundnut or fish, corn and coconut or pear.
“So the introduction of agbo jedi and libido booster herb as drinks in parties is a win-win for many who love taking these sachet gins and plastic alcoholic drinks.”
A fashion designer, Mrs. Vhiode Sesinu, said she has also seen agbo jedi being served at parties.
“I am a party lover and have attended up to 10 parties this year.
“Many of which various kinds of drinks including this agbo jedi and libido booster are served.
“For me, I see it as unhealthy to drink what I don’t know the content of.
“Many men were drinking agbo jedi and libido booster , especially those who love alcohol.
“Women were also taking these drinks.
“For me, I can take zobo, tiger nut drinks, and palm wine at parties.
“Many hosts are starting to include various less expensive food and drinks actually eaten at home, in party menus to cut costs”
– Media Report